The climate differs significantly between the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and so do sailing conditions. On the Atlantic side, the climate is temperate and the sailing season lasts from late spring to the autumn. The prevailing winds of summer are northerly, becoming SW when a system of low pressure comes in from the Atlantic. The strongest winds also come from the SW. Winds along the Mediterranean coast and Corsica are more variable, the strongest wind being the mistral, a northerly wind which occurs regularly and often reaches gale force.
In the Mediterranean, there are several continuous weather reports, broadcast in both English and French, on VHF channels. Channel 24 for Corsica; Channel 25 for Provence; Channel 23 for the Core d'Azur.
French Coastal Weather Forecasts - these are better than the BBC sea area forecasts and are issued by CROSS (Centre Regioneaux Operationnels de Surveillance et de Sauvetage), i.e. regional watch and rescue centers. After an initial announcement on VHF 16, you are directed to either VHF 79 or 80. The forecast follows a standard format: e.g. for a morning forecast:
A minimum of the French language is required, apart from (i). Wind strengths are given in Beaufort. Beware of Est (east) and Ouest (west).
Coastal Weather Conditions in France.
For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page
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